UPM-CALC/CEL2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS/SEM 2/2021-2022

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

Complete the activities and submit on Edmodo by the due date.

Activity 1

Read the model essay below and answer the questions that follow.

Comparing the Methods of Communication of the Present and Past

1
Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over
long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. 2Nowadays we have
a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from email to instant
messaging and video calls. 3While the present and previous means of communication are
similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and range of tools available.

4
One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the
form of communication. 5In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used,
in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. 6Similarly, people nowadays use both of
these forms. 7Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for examples
via email and text messaging. 8In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone,
mobile phone and voice messages via instant messaging service.

9
However, there are clearly differences in the way people communicate over long
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distances, the most notable of which are speed and range of methods. In the past, letters
11
would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast, an email arrives almost
12
instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. Another significant difference is
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the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the tools available were primarily
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telephones and letters. On the contrary, today, there are a vast array of communication
15
methods available. These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages
already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone
apps such as Whatsapp and social media such as Facebook.

16
In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty
17
years. While the are some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are
significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of
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SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

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communication tools available. There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress
in future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also become outdated.

Adapted from https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/candc/

1. Which sentence in paragraph 1 states the topic and main ideas of the essay?
Topic= “people communicating over long distances used traditional means such as
letters and the telephone”
Main ideas= “Nowadays we have a vast array of communication tools...”

2. Which paragraph discusses the similarity?

Paragraph 2

3. Which paragraph discusses the difference?

Paragraph 3

4. What are the similarity and difference between the old and the current methods of long
distance communication?
Old method
Similarity The form of communications.
The previous method used
letters to write a message.
Difference The time taken for the
message to arrive is quite long.
Current method
Messange services still used
today, but in a more modern
way such as via email and so
on.
An email or message text in
smart phone easily open in
second after it was sent.

5. What words are used to show similarities/differences.

a. Still used
b. Similarity
c. In contrast
d. However
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SCL WORKSHEET WEEK 1

6. What type of organisation method is used in the model essay?

Comparison essay

Activity 2

Read the model essay below and complete the outline below using block organisation.

A Comparison and Contrast on Population of The United States and Russia

1
Besides being the world’s two biggest nuclear superpowers, the United States and
Russia also share great interest in nuclear safety and security, counter-terrorism and space
2
exploration. Despite all these, the two nations have always maintained unique and
challenging foreign relations in the world. 3As many people are aware, there are significant
differences between Russia and the United States in their history and form of government.
4
The United States is a young country with a long history of democratic government. 5Russia
is a country with ancient roots that has experienced different kinds of government. 6However,
there are other areas in which the similarity and difference between these two countries could
influence their relations. 7The United States and Russia are similar in population diversity, but
they have different population growth.

8
One common similarity between the United States and Russia is their population
diversity. 9The United States and Russia have relatively diverse populations. 10They both have
a majority racial group that constitutes about 80 percent of the population and several
significant minority groups (CIA World Factbook, 2011). 11Like the United States, Russia also
has linguistic minorities, and there are parts of both countries in which it is common to see
signs in two or more languages. 12In addition, the United States and Russia are also similar in
religious diversity. 13Although both countries’ populations are largely Christian, they also both
have religious minorities such as Muslim, Jews and other small groups of religious minorities
(Jackson, 2015).

14
Despite the similarity, the United States and Russia are very different in terms of
population growth. 15Russia’s population has been shrinking because the birth rate is fairly low
16
although it has increased in recent years. On the other hand, the fertility rate in the United
States has been consistently high with 2.06 children compared to only 1.6 for Russia (CIA
World Factbook, 2011). 17Moreover, there is comparatively little immigration to Russia mostly
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from countries that were once part of the former Soviet Union. In the United States, on the
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other hand, immigration adds 2.3 million people per year (O’neil, 2013). 19
This consequently
contributes to the rapid population growth of the United States.

20
In conclusion, while the United States and Russia are different in terms of population
growth, they have similar population diversity. 21Both countries are home to diverse races and
religions. 22On the contrary, contrasting fertility rate and immigration trends lead to difference
23
in their population growth. These significant similarity and difference indicate the needs for
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these countries to cooperate in the international arena. It will be interesting to see how the
United States and Russia work together in the future.

Adapted from Oshima, A, Hogue, A. and Ravitch, L. (2014). Longman Academic Writing Series 4:
Paragraphs to Essays, Fifth Edition. New York: Pearson Education

I. Introduction (Rewrite the sentence that show the main ideas of the essay)
The United States and Russia are similar in population diversity, but they have
different population growth.

II. Body
A. Similarity between the United States and Russia
Population diversity
a. United States and Russia have a majority racial group.
b. Both country have a similar religious diversity.

B. Different between the United States and Russia

Population growth
a. United States had a higher birth rate than Russia
b. Russia has less immigration than the United States

III. Conclusion
In conclusion, both United States and Russia have their own similarity and
differences. This similarities and differences made this country united. These
significant similarity and difference indicate the needs for these countries to
cooperate in the international arena.